The Empress of Cooke County: A Novel BY Elizabeth Bass Parman

The Empress of Cooke County by Elizabeth Bass Parman is a charming Southern tale set in the 1960s, brimming with humor and heart. Posey Jarvis, the self-proclaimed “empress” of rural Spark, Tennessee, leads a life full of eccentricity and contradictions. At thirty-eight, Posey juggles her obsession with Jackie Kennedy, a strained marriage with her husband Vern, and a rebellious daughter, Callie Jane. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she inherits a rundown mansion from her quirky Aunt Milbrey and decides to host her high school reunion there, hoping to rekindle a past romance.

Meanwhile, eighteen-year-old Callie Jane is grappling with an accidental engagement and the prospect of a future she never chose. Overwhelmed by her mother's domineering presence and the prospect of a mundane life working at her father's emporium, Callie dreams of escaping to California. The town’s gossip mill and a Peeping Tom add to her anxiety, making her desire for a fresh start even stronger.

As Posey attempts to prepare the mansion for the reunion and Callie contemplates her future, both women face the challenge of reconciling their desires with their circumstances. In this tale of small-town life and personal transformation, Parman explores themes of self-discovery, family dynamics, and the quest for authenticity. With a mix of Southern charm and relatable struggles, The Empress of Cooke County is a delightful read about finding one’s place in the world and the power of being true to oneself.